Al and Judy Dunlap of Ocala Commit $20 Million

Al and Judy Dunlap of Ocala Commit $20 Million to Florida State University Athletics as the Lead Gift for the Unconquered Campaign

October 27, 2018

Tallahassee, FL – Florida State University, the Florida State Department of Athletics and Seminole Boosters, Inc., announce a new commitment of $20 million from Al and Judy Dunlap of Ocala, FL as the lead gift for the Unconquered Campaign.

Prior to this most recent gift, Al and Judy Dunlap have provided Florida State University in excess of $20 million in philanthropic gifts including the Albert J. and Judith A. Dunlap Student Success Center, the Al Dunlap Football Practice Fields, the Albert J. Dunlap Athletic Training Facility, the Albert J. and Judith A. Dunlap Champions Club.

Now, with this new gift of $20 million, their lifetime commitment of current assets to FSU exceeds $40 million.

The most-recent gift from Al and Judy Dunlap will be put toward an investment in football operations. In recognition of the Dunlaps' generosity, FSU Athletics and Seminole Boosters, Inc. will name the forthcoming football operations project the Albert J. and Judith A. Dunlap Football Center (abbreviated Dunlap Football Center).

"College football and college athletics in general is a competitive landscape," said Al Dunlap. "I'm a competitive guy. My wife, Judy, and I identified immediately with this football operations facility concept when it was first presented to us back in late August. It's not just about being competitive – it's about staying competitive. That's who we are. We want FSU's student-athletes to have the very best and equip them with opportunities to achieve on the highest levels possible on and off the field. They make us proud with their effort and resolve."

"Al and Judy have demonstrated time after time their willingness to invest in all students at FSU, not just student athletes," said interim Athletics Director David Coburn. "Their commitment to the Dunlap Student Success Building is the most obvious example. Clearly, the Athletics Department and all of our student-athletes deeply appreciate this particularly generous gift, which comes on top of the many other gifts they have made to FSU and to Athletics."

Dunlap later expounded on his and his wife's motivation related to competition.

"Judy and I wanted to send a message loud and clear that this program will meet any challenge. Anyone doubting FSU Football's commitment to be a top contender in all facets of the game has another thing coming."

Dunlap said first-year Head Football Coach Willie Taggart's recent action only further cemented in his and Judy's minds that they had made the right decision.

"We had already inked the deal back on August 29 but we decided to keep it a secret so that we could give the Unconquered Campaign launch appropriate space and time to permeate," Al said. "We had no idea that, only three days later, Coach Taggart and his wife, Taneshia, would step up with a million-dollar commitment like that. To me, that showed incredible leadership. That is evidenced by the fact some anonymous donor matched it the other day."

Dunlap said he loved seeing the anonymous gift.

"I just told Coach that, actually," he said of a recent visit with Taggart. "Judy and I visited with him a few days before the game and we got to tell him about our commitment in person. He knew we were in his corner and were going to help him, but I made him guess how much we would help. He started with a million. I shook my head and told him to go up higher. He kept guessing – his face looking more and more surprised and confused with each hike – until I finally told him we were doing $20 million. He responded by showing us the goosebumps on his forearms – multiple times, I should add."

It was a special moment for Al and Judy and for Taggart too.

"I respect him a great deal and spending time with him reminds me of being with my old teammates," said Al, who played high school football in New Jersey and then college ball at West Point. "He was put in a tough position when he took over. I know what that's like – believe me. We are blessed to have him leading our young men and representing our University."

With this most recent gift, Dunlap hopes to motivate others to do their part.

"Whether you can give $10 or $10 million, you must give. I promise you that FSU Athletics – all 20 varsity sports – are worth your investment," Dunlap said. "Please support the Unconquered Campaign in whatever way you can."

"The Dunlaps have always appreciated and understood the role of leadership and have always been eager and willing to embrace it as did Coach Taggart and his wife Taneshia," said Andy Miller, CEO and President of Seminole Boosters, Inc. "Their leadership gifts are instrumental in our ability to launch this very ambitious campaign. Their gift is also a call to all Seminoles to consider what they are willing and able to donate to help advance Florida State University, its Athletics Department and hundreds of deserving men's and women's student-athletes."

The Unconquered Campaign, which is a joint initiative of Florida State University, the Department of Athletics and Seminole Boosters, Inc., will run through June 30, 2022. In addition to the football facility, the Campaign seeks funding for other athletics facilities to benefit the men's and women's teams including a Nicklaus designed golf course, completion of basketball player's lounges, expansion of the Dick Howser baseball complex and enhancements to the Moore Athletics Center for all sports.

A West Point graduate, Al Dunlap is an internationally known retired business executive and served as chairman and/or CEO of nine major corporations including Scott Paper Company and Crown Zellerbach Corp.

Each hold honorary degrees of Doctor of Humane Letters from Florida State University. Al Dunlap serves on the Seminole Boosters, Inc. Board of Directors and Judy recently completed a two-year term on the FSU Athletics Board.

The couple received the 2015 George Langford Award from Seminole Boosters, Inc. recognizing their extraordinary leadership in the area of philanthropy benefitting Seminole Athletics and Florida State University. Al Dunlap also received the Godfrey Smith Award from Seminole Boosters, Inc. in 2017 for outstanding leadership and contribution to the Seminole Boosters, Inc. Board of Directors.

More quotes:

Doug Russell, 2018 Chairman of the Board Seminole Boosters, Inc.
"When I think of Al and Judy Dunlap, I think of a wonderful couple who are consistently faithful and generous to Florida State University and Seminole Boosters."

Nylah Thompson, Co-Chairman of the Unconquered Campaign and a past chairman of the Seminole Boosters, Inc. Board of Directors
"It has been an incredible honor to get to know Al and Judy Dunlap. They have become an important part of FSU history. They have given so many gifts of financial support and, just as importantly, they have given us another very precious commodity – their time. It is with great pride that I salute my friends Al and Judy Dunlap for this most recent and impressive gift to the Boosters."

John Crowe, Co-Chairman of the Unconquered Campaign, Treasurer of Seminole Boosters, Inc. and 1991 FSU Football Hall of Fame inductee.
"I appreciate the Dunlaps' significant gift and passion for FSU and our student-athletes! Their gift is a tremendous boost to the Unconquered Campaign and their leadership will inspire others to follow. As a Co-Chair for the Unconquered Campaign, I am all smiles and confident the Campaign will be a success. As always, we can count on the Dunlaps!"

Anonymous Donor Commits $1 Million

Anonymous Donor Commits $1 Million to Florida State University Athletics in Direct Response to FSU Head Football Coach Willie Taggart's Recent Gift

October 22, 2018

Tallahassee, FL – While attending Florida State University's launch of the Unconquered Campaign, a $100 million fundraising initiative for facilities and scholarships for the Seminoles' 20 men's and women's sports, head football coach Willie Taggart and his wife Taneshia made an unexpected announcement. The first-year head coach and his wife surprised the audience by announcing their commitment of $1 million to the campaign toward a football operations facility. Moved by the Taggart's conviction and generosity, a Seminole fan who wishes to remain anonymous recently matched the Taggart's $1 million gift.

"I was astonished by Coach Taggart's and Taneshia's personal investment in the Unconquered Campaign and in this new football operations concept," said the donor. "Anyone who has the conviction and character to lead by example like that – especially so early on in their tenure – deserves a high level of support.

"When I initially heard about their commitment, I was so taken back that I had to ask Seminole Boosters, Inc. representatives if it was actually real. They confirmed it was, so I then began thinking of how I could respond and back them. I am proud of Coach Taggart and it is an honor to support him and his program. I believe this football operations facility will play a prominent role in advancing FSU Football."

The Unconquered Campaign, which is a joint initiative of Florida State University, the Department of Athletics and Seminole Boosters, Inc., will run through June 30, 2022. In addition to the football facility, the Campaign seeks funding for other athletics facilities to benefit the men's and women's teams including a Nicklaus designed golf course, completion of basketball player's lounges, expansion of the Dick Howser baseball complex and enhancements to the Moore Athletics Center for all sports.

"Coach Taggart and Taneshia are to be commended for their leadership," said Andy Miller, President & CEO of Seminole Boosters, Inc. "Coach Taggart's consistent ‘Do Something' mantra truly is how he runs his program and lives his life. He talks it and he walks it. This gift is proof others will follow even on the highest levels. Thank you, Coach Taggart and Taneshia, and a special thank you to the donor for stepping up for the Unconquered Campaign."

Interim Athletic Director David Coburn is pleased but not surprised.

"Based on the time I have worked with Coach Taggart and FSU Football, I am not at all surprised to see this type of reaction from our generous donor base," Coburn said. "The gifts are inspiring and very much appreciated by our administrators, coaches, staff, and student-athletes."

More:

Doug Russell, Chairman of the Board of Directors for Seminole Boosters, Inc.
"When I accepted the nomination to lead this organization, I did so because of my unconditional love for Florida State University. This gift is a perfect example of unconditional love and is a direct reflection of how so many of our supporters at all levels feel.

Nylah Thompson, Co-Chairman of the Unconquered Campaign and past chairman of the Board of Directors for Seminole Boosters, Inc.
"My thanks go out to this donor and to Coach and Mrs. Taggart for their generous gifts", said "I am in awe of the generosity of all of our donors and greatly appreciate each and every one of them."

John Crowe, Co-Chairman of the Unconquered Campaign, Treasurer of Seminole Boosters, Inc., and 1991 FSU Athletics Hall of Fame inductee
"I can identify with this donor's response to Coach Taggart's and Taneshia's generous commitment and gift. My wife, Betty, and I were also inspired by Coach Taggart's and Taneshia's leadership. We believe if we are going to be effective asking others to support the Unconquered Campaign, we need to lead by example. It is our hope that this anonymous donor's gift is the first of many to come."

About

Unconquered Campaign

The word "unconquered" has served as a unifying term and symbol for Florida State University. In this spirit, FSU is announcing The Unconquered Campaign. This five-year effort will represent Seminole Boosters, Florida State Athletics and Florida State University making a combined investment of $100 million in our athletic program. This will be a significant commitment toward FSU Athletics and will positively affect the lives of every Seminole Student-Athlete.

Campaign Overview

During the Unconquered Campaign, the following projects will be addressed:

$60 million – Football Operations Building
The new stand-alone home for Seminole Football will be located adjacent to the Dunlap Practice Fields and Dunlap Athletic Training Facility and attached to the indoor complex.

$9 million – New Student-Athlete Scholarship Endowments
In support of student-athlete scholarships and long-term sustainability.

$6 million – Dick Howser Stadium Renovations
Investments to improve the infrastructure and fan experience at Howser Stadium including team weight room, new team building and permanent grandstands in left field.

$5 million – 50th Anniversary of Women’s Athletics
Commitments in support of priorities for women’s athletics and in honor of 50 years of success for women in FSU athletics.

$4 million – Phase II of the Donald L. Tucker Center Renovations
Continuation of renovations at the Tucker Center including new team lounges for men’s and women’s basketball.

Unconquered Campaign Summary

Total Investment: $100 million

Time Period: Five Years – January 1, 2018, through December 31, 2022

Funding Sources:

Seminole Boosters – leadership commitments from donors

FSU Athletics Department – new revenue from upcoming ACC Network and new multi-media contract, neutral site games

University – funding available to enhance dining and classroom space on campus

Areas of Impact: Facilities and Student-Athlete Scholarships

Campaign Leadership

Florida State University Leadership for The Unconquered Campaign

FSU Board of Trustees

Ed Burr, Chairman

Dr. Todd Adams

Maximo Alvarez

Kathryn Ballard

William Buzzett

June Duda

Jorge Gonzalez

Jim Henderson

Mark Hillis

Craig Mateer

Stacey Pierre

Bob Sasser

Brent Sembler

FSU PresidentJohn Thrasher

Seminole Boosters Executive Board – 2018-19

Doug Russell, Chairman

Bob Davis, Chair-Elect

Bob Frey, Secretary

John Crowe, Treasurer

Tom Jennings

Kris Inchombe

David Coburn

Ed Burr

Gary Thurston

Nylah Thompson

Delores Spearman

Jimmy Graganella

Alan Flaumenhaft

Unconquered Campaign Co-Chairs
John Crowe
Nylah Thompson

Executive Leadership Council

National Campaign Committee

Seminole Boosters Board

Florida State Seminoles A Tradition of Excellence

16 National Championships

3 Football 1993, 1999, 2013

3 Softball 1981, 1982, 2018

2 Women’s Track & Field 1984, 1985

2 Men’s Track & Field 2006, 2008

2 Men’s Gymnastics 1951, 1952

Soccer 2014

Women’s Golf 1981

2 Men’s Volleyball 1955, 1957

89 ACC Championships

All-Time Winningest Coaches in Football, Baseball, Softball

FSU alums have won 8 majors on PGA & LPGA Tours

75 Olympians

16 National Players of the Year from five sports

3 Rhodes Scholars

School Record 3.0 average GPA for student-athletes in 2017-18

8,200 community service hours by student-athletes in 2017-18

2018 CBS Sports Top College Athletic Program

11 Top 15 Finishes in the Learfield Director’s Cup Standings since 2006

Buster Posey

Garrett Johnson

Mami Yamaguchi

Myron Rolle

Walter Dix

Football Operations Project

TOTAL INVESTMENT – $60 Million

Located adjacent to the Albert J. Dunlap Athletic Training Facility, the new Football Operations building will be the new day-to-day home of Florida State football and one of the most significant investments in the program’s history.
Inside its 122,000 square feet of dedicated space, Seminole student-athletes will enjoy first class resources including:

New Team Locker Room

State-of-the-Art Training and Hydrotherapy Areas

Weight room directly connected to the indoor field

Large team and position meeting rooms

Recruiting lounge showcasing the history of Seminole Football

The Football Operations Building will cost $60 million and is scheduled to open in July 2021. Funding will jointly come from Seminole Boosters, through the generosity of its donors, and the athletic department.

Locker Room

Weight Room

Hydrotherapy Room

Large Team Meeting Room

FSU Football Plaza Entry

Exterior View of Plaza

Donald L. Tucker Center

TOTAL INVESTMENT – $4 Million

Beginning with the $17 million renovation of the arena prior to the 2014-15 seasons, FSU has made several strategic investments in its basketball programs. The payoff has been evident as both teams once again advanced to the NCAA tournament for a second straight year.
Phase II of the Donald L. Tucker Center renovations is the final step in completing the vision for the home of FSU basketball. The construction of new team lounges and other student-athlete spaces will provide members of the men’s and women’s basketball first-class areas to study, relax and build relationships with teammates away from the court. These areas will be important for Coaches Hamilton and Semrau as they recruit future greats to wear the Garnet and Gold!
The anticipated cost of the Phase II renovations is $4 million and will begin after funding has been identified.

Locker Room

Player's Lounge

Training Room

Tucker Center Basketball

Baseball

TOTAL INVESTMENT – $6 Million

FSU looks to the future of Seminole Baseball with the proposed renovation of Howser Stadium.
Since its opening in 1983, the facility has hosted over four million fans and countless great players and teams. As it reaches its 35th anniversary, the university has developed a master plan to prepare it for future generations of service to college baseball’s greatest fans.
Phase I of the renovations is anticipated to cost $6 million and will include:

New field lighting,

Construction of permanent bleachers down 3rd base,

A new team building and enhanced entrance,

Renovated team weight room.

Additionally, needed infrastructure will be done throughout the stadium to make sure all fans can safely enjoy their time watching the Noles.
The project will be funded entirely by Seminole Boosters through the generosity of its donors. Additional planning and construction will be contingent upon receiving needed funding.

Aerial View

New Scoreboard Installed

3rd Baseline Seating

Overall Redesign View

Don Veller Seminole Golf Course

TOTAL INVESTMENT – $8 Million

Beginning in August of 2018, the Don Veller Seminole Golf Course will receive an $8 million renovation by the Jack Nicklaus Design Group. When it reopens in the fall of 2019, the course will be transformed into the nation’s first Nicklaus Legacy Course. This special designation will make it a bucket list destination for golfers visiting Tallahassee and help the Seminole Golf Program attract the nation’s best student-athletes. It serves as a lead investment in the creation of the new "Gateway District" which includes a scenic road connecting the Tallahassee International Airport and the FSU Campus. The Gateway District, which includes over 900 acres owned by FSU, will be a key for the future growth of the university.
The course renovation is being jointly funded by Seminole Boosters, the athletic department and the university.

Amanda Doherty – Sport Management

Brooks Koepka – Four-time PGA Champion and three-time All-American

John Pak – Criminology

Nicklaus Team and Coaches

Golf Course

Scholarships

TOTAL INVESTMENT – $9 Million

Athletic scholarships help Florida State University
maintain a competitive edge in attracting and retaining top student-athletes and are a vital component that enable our programs to continue to grow and enrich the lives of all who step foot on our campus. More than 80% of Seminole athletic scholarship recipients receive an undergraduate degree – including a high percentage of first-generation college students – and their lives, and future generations of their family are changed as
a result.
Seminole Boosters, through the generous support of its donors, fund all scholarships for 399 FSU student-athletes totaling more than $11 million per year. This total comes from earnings from our scholarship endowment and unrestricted contributions to the annual fund. Florida State has one of the largest athletic endowments in the ACC with $63 million. During the Unconquered Campaign, the goal is to receive $9 million in new pledges toward the endowment with the long-term vision to fully endow the entire scholarship program.

Football Grads

Softball Grads

Celebrating 50 years of Women’s Intercollegiate Athletics

TOTAL INVESTMENT – $5 Million

Women’s athletics has held a rich tradition in Tallahassee since the early 1900’s when Florida State was the Florida State College for Women; the 2018-19 season marks the 50th Anniversary of a continuous women’s intercollegiate program at FSU.
Since volleyball took the floor in 1968 as the first-ever women’s intercollegiate sport for the Seminoles, FSU has been a national leader in promoting and supporting women’s athletics. Florida State has won seven national championships over the last 50 years including last year’s softball national championship.
In honor and appreciation of the history and accomplishments of our women student-athletes past, present and future, Seminole Boosters has set a goal of raising $5 million in new support. This will be used to help fund scholarships and facilities.
Visit Boosters.fsu.edu/50years for more information.

Sue Galkantas

Kim Batten

India Trotter

2018 Softball National Champions

Contact Us

How to Donate

The Unconquered Campaign is a game-changing vision for Florida State Athletics and the university. We hope you will join us on the journey as we make a once-in-a-generation commitment to enrich the lives of every future Seminole student-athlete.

Contact Mike Dasher, Senior Vice President of Development, about supporting the Unconquered Campaign by email at mike.dasher@fsu.edu or by phone at 850-644-9674850-644-9674.